The investigation, though, is continuing into the death of the 20-year-old Ward, who was declared dead on arrival at Thompson Hospital 45 minutes after the accident Saturday night in the Empire Super Sprints event at Canandaigua Motorsports Park. After a wreck with Stewart, Ward climbed out of his car, walked out onto the track and approached Stewart's car, which hit him under caution.

"There are no criminal charges pending at this time," Sheriff Philip Povero said at a news conference broadcast on ESPNews. "We have reviewed the investigation to this point with the Ontario County district attorney.

"As we speak at this time, there is no evidence in hand or no facts that would support a criminal charge or support criminal intent on the part of anybody."

Povero said the investigation is ongoing and will focus on the banked dirt surface, which was slick and muddy, as well as the color of Ward’s firesuit and what he called dim lighting in the area in Turns 1 and 2 of the track.

"Certainly that is a dimly lit part of the track," Povero said. "That is something that is looked at as well as clothing and other conditions that would certainly impact his ability in that area."

An autopsy will be performed, and the investigators are looking for video as well witnesses who have first-hand knowledge of the circumstances of the accident, dirt-track racing and the dynamics of the cars.

Povero said the cars were going slow enough in observing the caution and estimated that Stewart was running approximately 30 to 35 mph when he hit Ward.

He added they will use all the information to do a reconstruction of the crash.

"There are no foregone conclusions made at this point," Povero said. "We’re looking for any information, any relevant evidence, that will help us come to a final determination as to why this happened."

Once the investigation is complete, the results will be given to the district attorney, which is standard procedure because of a fatal accident.

"There aren’t words to describe the sadness I feel about the accident that took the life of Kevin Ward Jr.," Stewart said in a statement. "It’s a very emotional time for all involved, and it is the reason I’ve decided not to participate in today’s race at Watkins Glen. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragedy."

A family member at Ward's house told Syracuse television station WSYR: "We appreciate the prayers and support we are receiving from the community, but we need time to grieve and wrap our heads around all of this."